Fisher Returns to Miners

In a recruitment move that will add strength and depth to the GMHBA Miners playing roster this season exciting Ballarat local Anthony Fisher has made the decision to return to the SEABL competition with his home club in 2015.

The 21 year old point guard feels that the SEABL competition is what is needed to allow him to take his game to the next level and to work on returning to the National League a more accomplished player.

Fisher committed to play for the GMHBA Miners after discussions on the weekend with Basketball Ballarat CEO Peter Eddy and is expected back in Ballarat to commence training within two weeks.

“No doubt his long term goals include playing in the NBL and I feel that playing with the GMHBA Miners allows him the best opportunity to get that done” said Assistant Coach David Flint.

In Perth for the 2014/15 NBL season Fisher wasted no time establishing himself, setting the best records for three performance tests, as well and a second place and a third place. With eight tests undertaken by the entire squad, Fisher was the best performer in three tests, and in the top three performers for five.

Fisher set the standard in the 20 metre sprint, agility test, and the dreaded ‘suicide’ test, while posting the second-highest vertical jump, and third-best score in the yo-yo test.

Fisher has worked consistently with Basketball Ballarat Strength & Conditioning Coach Scott Talpey to build both his strength and agility.

“Anthony has had a tremendous career to date not only with the Miners, but also in his younger days coming through the Country Victorian NITP and State program including various National Championships,” said Flint.

Fisher is a product of Ballarat’s junior club and representative program having started playing locally as a 9 years old.

Fisher’s decorated junior basketball career started in Ballarat’s domestic competitions and saw him rise through the ranks of the Ballarat Representative Program before being joining the senior Miners in 2011 at just 17 years of age.

Fisher has represented Australia at the Under 19 FIBA World Championships, the Under 18 FIBA Oceania Championships and the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, and represented Victoria at the Under 18 and Under 20 National Championships.

In 2014, Fish was instrumental in leading the Miners back into the SEABL Finals for the first time since 2006.

“Since junior basketball I’ve wanted to play professionally and Ballarat has helped me every step of the way,” said Fisher.

In announcing his return to Ballarat Fisher stated that he is “excited to be returning to my home Club the GMHBA Miners for the 2015 SEABL season”

“The year spent as a Development Player with Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League and in having the opportunity to work full time on my game for the past 10 months will allow me to add much more to the team this season”

Basketball Ballarat Elite Teams Director Nick Grylewicz said that “Ballarat was delighted to regain Anthony’s services for the coming season. He is a very committed and professional athlete who will add significant depth to our team roster this year”.

Miners coach Eric Hayes added that “Fisher’s intensity and competitiveness will help not only in games, but on the training court, as players press for selection.